About this season
Kabuki is a world-class theater with a history of over 400 years, but is also exciting entertainment. What is the secret of its enduring attraction? Haruka Christine, Nakamura Kazutaro, and Ichikawa Somegoro guide us through the world of kabuki.
Episodes (10)
1. Nakamura Kazutaro: The Rising Star of Onnagata
Aired 1 April 2015 • 28 min
Meet Nakamura Kazutaro -- our new host and the rising star of kabuki. Born into a famous kabuki family, watch how he became a kabuki actor himself, along with some beautiful performances.
2. Four Seasons of Kabuki
Aired 6 May 2015 • 28 min
Spring, summer, autumn, winter – Japan’s beautiful seasons are ingeniously portrayed on the kabuki stage with magnificent sets, props and superb acting.
3. Onnagata Costumes
Aired 3 June 2015 • 28 min
The magnificent costumes of kabuki's female roles add flair to the stage. And their colors and designs can even represent the character's social status or her inner feelings.
4. Playing Different Onnagata Roles
Aired 1 July 2015 • 28 min
How does a man play a woman's role? See the process of this metamorphosis, beginning with makeup, along with highlights of plays that portray women of all kinds of social stations and ages.
5. Women of the Pleasure Quarters
Aired 2 September 2015 • 28 min
Many kabuki plays star beautiful courtesans – this time we feature the women of the pleasure quarters. Discover the glamorous allure which entangles both men and women.
6. Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy
Aired 7 October 2015 • 28 min
This time, a special feature on Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy! A huge hit with the public in the Edo period, its story and stagecraft still enthral people today.
7. Women In Love
Aired 4 November 2015 • 28 min
We discover the stories of this traditional performing art which are all about women in love. Doomed romances, love triangles, and death stalk the stage.
8. The Laughter of Kamigata Kabuki
Aired 2 December 2015 • 28 min
This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the laughter of Kamigata Kabuki. Discover how performing monkeys can add pathos to a touching scene, and the comic twists and turns taken by a lovesick hairdresser
9. Hands-on Kabuki: Animals and Vehicles
Aired 6 January 2016 • 28 min
This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the animals and transport systems used in kabuki plays. Discover how these amazing props and their sound effects add to the atmosphere on stage.
10. Hands-on Kabuki: Props and Sets
Aired 2 March 2016 • 28 min
This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the sets and stagecraft of kabuki plays. Discover two new animals, and explore their history and effects.